Have you ever been told that project you're working on is not going to work? Ever doubted if your idea is not perhaps TOO bold or TOO radical or TOO this and that?
5 years ago, I had those doubts and I could feel them burning up inside of me. At the end of 2017, my friends Lindsay and Shannon started cooking up a new event together with me.
An online conference about languages, with expert speakers who are inspiring and impressive. So far so good.
And we were only going to have female speakers. Maybe we'd sat in the audience for one too many one-token-woman-panels...I don't know.
But I clearly remember that the idea of saying "this one's a stage for women in our field" felt kinda scary. I never want to not-please people, so taking a stand can feel risky.
And you bet that we heard as much from a few doubting voices. Those were quickly drowned out by the other side: LOTS of people, hundreds of people rejoicing and joining in with us to hear from the first batch of speakers.
The next year, we were back. Then the year after. Then through the pandemic. And this year it's time to celebrate: 5 years of Women in Language!! Have you ever been? If not, make sure you read this post as an introduction.
So This Changes the WORLD?!
Yes, yes it does. World-changing doesn't have to transform the entire face of the earth. This one's about showing many people like us that it's worth believing in your ideas and believing in yourself.
You might have an idea like this, like us. You might want to speak at an event or start a podcast. You might want to go into a "prestigious" career or learn 10 languages.
The Women in Language message to you is that there's NO ONE who can tell you not to try. And if you're still doing it 5 years later, well then that's success.
It’s a Language Learning Festival!
This year, we are delighted to bring you 22 expert speakers, a panel on Feminism in Our Language World, and a bunch of live language exchange sessions. So you'll be inspired, educated, AND you'll practice your language too.
The Women in Language conference is a great experience and we’d love to have you join us. The tickets are just $29, and that price includes all conference recordings.
And just in case you’re wondering: YES men can come too! Of course!!
Supporting a Good Cause and Standing With Ukraine 🇺🇦
I am not going to lie and say I'm not feeling bittersweet this year. I'm proud and delighted of our achievements with Women in Language. I'm also deeply affected by the war in Ukraine. 💙💛 It's making me feel heartbroken, scared, and relieved my grandma isn't here to see this.
When you buy your Women in Language ticket, we give 10% to a good cause every year. This year, the funds will go to Women for Women International. They don't currently run programmes in Ukraine but they do help fund-raise for organisations who do.
This week I've donated money to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal on behalf of my podcast and company. Thank you for making this possible.
Now if you have the capacity to join our event this weekend, allowing lesser-heard voices to ring out for a few days, then here is the link to buy your ticket. Come and hear these AMAZING speakers who deserve your attention: www.womeninlanguage.com